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Acute poisoning from gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Truman Medical Center, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, USA.
Missouri Medicine
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) poisoning can cause seizures and coma. Physicians should consider GHB, a bodybuilding supplement, in patients with unexplained neurological symptoms, especially in new geographic regions.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is illicitly marketed as a performance-enhancing supplement for bodybuilding.
- GHB is known to cause severe neurological adverse effects, including seizures and coma.
Observation:
- Two cases of profound coma following GHB ingestion were reported in Kansas City.
- These cases represent a new geographic area for reported GHB poisonings, previously concentrated on the West coast and Southeast.
Findings:
- GHB poisoning can manifest as unexplained seizures and profound coma.
- The geographic distribution of reported GHB poisonings may be expanding.
Implications:
- Physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for GHB poisoning in patients with unexplained seizures or coma.
- Awareness of GHB's potential for severe toxicity is crucial for emergency medicine and toxicology specialists.
- Clinicians should consider GHB exposure in individuals associated with bodybuilding, extreme dieting, or health food supplement use.